Sophomore Schillo Tshuma and senior Patrick Mullins officially began their professional playing careers Thursday by signing contracts with Major League Soccer.

Tshuma was one of four players to garner a coveted Generation adidas contract while Mullins inked an early MLS contract.

"I am extremely excited for both Patrick and Schillo as they enter into their new careers in MLS," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "For two years now, they have formed the best forward partnership in college soccer. To have two players from Maryland signed before the draft is a testament to their ability and the soccer culture at Maryland."

A sophomore forward, Tshuma helped Maryland advance to the 2013 Men’s College Cup final, scoring six goals on the season.

"Schillo made his mark in two years," Cirovski said. "His work rate is special and his raw talent is undeniable."

A back-to-back NSCAA First Team All-American and 2012 MAC Hermann Trophy winner, Mullins led the nation in scoring for the 2013 season with 19 goals in 26 games played.

"Patrick leaves Maryland as one of the all time greats. He is the total package," Cirovski said. "He improved every year at Maryland. I expect that to continue in MLS."

Major League Soccer and adidas announced the list of 2014Generation adidas players, who will enter the professional ranks through the 2014 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas on Jan. 16 in Philadelphia, Pa. In addition, MLS signed two college seniors in advance of the SuperDraft and invited nine more players to the 2014 adidas MLS Player Combine that begins next Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Players who join MLS as part of the Generation adidas program receive the opportunity to develop their game and hone their skills at the professional level. In addition to training and playing with one of Major League Soccer’s 19 professional clubs, Generation adidas players receive educational grants to further their college education. Generation adidas players do not count against an MLS team’s salary budget.